The High School Intern program at the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science offers a limited number of highly qualified juniors the opportunity to work side-by-side with world class scientists on a variety of imaging-related research projects. These internships give students the chance to get valuable hands-on experience in a real laboratory setting as contributing members of a research team. This coveted opportunity has jump started successful academic and professional careers for 173 participants over fifteen years.

The benefits of the CIS intern program are four-fold: to students; to the community; to CIS and RIT; and to STEM (science, technology, education, and math) education in the United States as a whole. Participants benefit from research experience, exposure to a college environment, experientially exploring their academic interests, and learning the responsibilities of a full time job. The intern program is a community builder, as schools and students from across the area participate, and local companies and research centers are showcased through field trips. The program is also CIS’s most successful recruitment initiative: ~50% of participants have applied to RIT for STEM-related disciplines, with 15% applying to Imaging Science and 12% ultimately enrolling as students in the Imaging Science program. Lastly, our internships encourage the further pursuit of STEM disciplines by up-and-coming young talent.

To celebrate the accomplishments of past interns, we have created a collection of Stories about Our Summer Interns. Please check back often to see what great things our interns have gone on to achieve.

Now there is an opportunity for everyone to get involved! CIS is looking for partners to help foster the continuance and growth of the internship program.

We hope that you will consider supporting the future of our intern program through a personal donation or company sponsorship. Every little bit helps—even a donation of $25 can make a difference in providing these special opportunities. Donations can be arranged by e-mailing us. All sponsors will receive a small appreciation gift and will be listed on our interns website.

We sincerely thank all sponsors past, present, and future for your generous support of our high school intern program.